Buckman has joined forces with Quality Filtration Systems (QFS) in a move set to put the chemical company in an industry-leading position.

Andre Maartens, sales manager for the Energy Division of Buckman Africa says: “As a chemical supplier we often get approached by customers for solutions on effluent and water consumption. Now, together with QFS, we are able to supply customers with a total solution.”

The new partnership will see QFS offering its engineering skills and Buckman its expertise in water chemistry. Speaking on the venture, Herman Smit, a director at QFS says, “Buckman understands that chemicals are not the sole solution. Today, customers need both chemicals and technology.”

From a business perspective, the new venture could see QFS emerging as a first-tier contractor and Buckman a supplier, or Buckman as a first-tier supplier and QFS a second-tier backup equipment supplier. Alternatively, customers could buy the equipment from QFS and the chemicals from Buckman. According to Maartens this three-pronged business approach “makes us more competitive”. He adds: “Essentially, we are getting rid of the middle man.”

Buckman has worked with QFS in the past. Together the companies have completed the following projects:

• Beaufort West WasteWater Treatment Works 2.5 Mℓ/d: Direct reuse of municipal wastewater by ultra filtration and reverse osmosis as the main treatment process (2011).
• De Kelders Water Treatment Works 1.6 Mℓ/d: Brackish water treated by ultra filtration and reverse osmosis for potable water (2011).

New technology

QFS brings a wealth of technological innovation and know-how. Because of an exclusive distribution agreement with Siemens Memcor – part of Siemens Water Technologies – QFS is able to provide Buckman and its customers with first-world technologies, along with experts in a wide range of water treatment applications.

QFS still focuses on membrane technology, but deploys innovative products for applications like potable water filtration, iron removal for potable water, effluent treatment, seawater desalination, mine water treatment, cooling water filtration and sewage treatment.

Local challenges

Operating in South Africa brings about its own unique challenges. Acid mine drainage, coal mine pollutants and poor municipal water works are all real problems facing South Africa’s water supply.

Still, Buckman and QFS remain optimistic. “A lot of the water problems in South Africa can be dealt with using membrane technology,” reveals Maartens. He adds: “You can use new technologies like ultra filtration and reverse osmosis – processes that reduce the amount of chemicals needed to clean water.”

“We need to understand what is needed and begin to educate people. Next we need to tackle the challenge of acceptability of new technologies. More modern technologies are not always bad. We have to go through the process of showing people that in the long run they will save money,” explains Smit.

Going green

Buckman continually strives to reduce its carbon footprint on the planet. In a combination of company, community and earth, Buckman aims to lead the field in green chemistries.

“One of the products we have in our arsenal is our ‘Green Toolbox’. It is a tool every employee at Buckman has on their computer, which calculates Return on Environment (ROE),” says Maartens.

The ROE is a tool that takes measureable factors – economical, water and carbon footprint, risk reduction, social impact and competitive advantage – and determines the value generated for each project.

What’s more, Buckman’s partnership with QFS means the chemical company has taken another step towards becoming more environmentally friendly. “By implementing modern technology we are looking to the future, offering more sustainable solutions,” says Maartens.